Birdshot Podcast

In this episode, the host and guest Levi Day discuss turkey hunting plans, and his extensive experiences in hunting, outdoor traditions, and conservation. They delve into Levi’s current role at Pheasants Forever, where he manages the Journey to Conservation Careers program, and talk about the importance of creating conservation career pathways.

00:00 Heading to the Cabin

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The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt and Upland Gun Company

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In this episode, Nick is joined by Steve Gould, host of the Target Focus Life YouTube channel. They discuss Steve's background, and some spring turkey hunting strategies. They dive into turkey shotgun specifics, the importance of optics, and the different options available. Steve shares insights on quality shotguns for various uses, experiences with youth hunting, and upcoming events, including a potential summer shotgun fest. They also touch on Steve's favorite shotgun models and noteworthy guns from Upland Gun Company.

00:00 Welcome Back, Steve Gould!

02:26 Springtime in Minnesota

03:42 Turkey Hunting Tales

07:12 Introducing Kids to Hunting

08:22 The Magic of Sunrise Hunts

09:50 Why We Hunt

17:28 Choosing the Right Turkey Shotgun

25:08 The Rise of Sub-Gauge Shotguns

31:41 Optics for Turkey Hunting

39:19 Reflecting on Patience and Parenting

40:37 Exploring Red Dot Sights

42:22 Introducing Shotgun Finder

45:54 The SOSA Test Explained

48:08 Recoil Pads and Falcon Strike

01:02:43 Upland Shotguns and Hunting

01:11:55 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

SUPPORT | patreon.com/birdshot

Follow us | @birdshot.podcastUse Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt

Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on Trulock Chokes

The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson talks with Kenneth Witt—host of the Gun Dog Nation podcast—about his unconventional journey from small-town attorney to landman in West Texas, and ultimately, to upland hunter and podcast creator. Kenneth shares how his love for dogs, passion for the outdoors, and curiosity for training led him to start a show that highlights voices across the diverse world of hunting dogs.

The conversation covers everything from British labs and retriever training to life on the road, podcast growth, banjo-playing through law school, and what it’s really like working in oil and gas. Whether you’re into bird dogs, shed dogs, or bluegrass, Ken brings an infectious energy and deep appreciation for the hunting dog community.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

🐕 From beagles to British labs – Ken’s journey with hunting dogs has spanned breeds, training methods, and working roles.

🎧 Why he launched Gun Dog Nation – A podcast for hunters, handlers, and dog lovers across all breeds and traditions.

🛢️ Life as a landman – Kenneth shares what it’s really like working in oil & gas, scouting land, and using OnX Hunt in West Texas.

🎼 Music meets mindset – Four hours a day of banjo practice during law school? Ken’s dedication carries over into dog training.

🗺️ Building community across disciplines – From coonhounds to cockers, Gun Dog Nation is about preserving heritage and bringing dog people together.

Resources:

🔗 GunDogNation.net – Kenneth’s podcast hub for interviews, articles, and more

🗺️ OnX Hunt – Mapping app used by hunters and land agents

🎧 Subscribe to Birdshot – For more conversations at the intersection of bird hunting, dog work, and the people who love both

🐦 Share this episode – Know someone starting out with hunting dogs? Send this their way.

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In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson talks with Logan Clark, a graduate researcher, about his extensive study on dusky grouse migrations and behavior. They discuss the challenges and innovations in monitoring wildlife, including the use of autonomous recording units (ARUs) and GPS tracking. Logan shares insights from his fieldwork, the modeling techniques applied for abundance estimation, and the future directions for dusky grouse research.

02:08 Pheasant Fest Experience

02:45 Poster Session and Networking

09:02 Research and Monitoring Techniques

37:40 Microphone vs. Human Detection

39:26 Challenges in Grouse Detection

40:07 Occupancy and Abundance Estimates

42:33 Machine Learning in Bird Detection

44:44 Developing Detection Models

52:50 Unexpected Discoveries

55:47 GPS Tracking and Grouse Movements

01:03:44 Future Research Directions

01:12:12 Career Aspirations and Challenges

SUPPORT | patreon.com/birdshot

Follow us | @birdshot.podcast

Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt

Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on Trulock Chokes

The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Birdshot Podcast, the host welcomes Ryan Linton to discuss his journey from a novice hunter to an avid upland bird enthusiast and writer. Ryan shares how a serendipitous trip to Colorado sparked his love for hunting, eventually leading him to pursue upland birds and acquire his first bird dog, Creek, a Brittany. He talks about the joys and challenges of training his dog and the importance of wild birds in that process. Ryan also hints at his upcoming podcast venture focused on the upland hunting community, aiming to bring diverse perspectives and stories to celebrate the uplands. The conversation touches on various topics, including writing, training, and the uniqueness of different bird species and hunting locations.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:57 Guest Background and Bird Hunting Journey

05:49 Writing and Outdoor Experiences

13:34 Early Hunting Adventures

18:15 Transition to Upland Bird Hunting

28:01 Getting a Bird Dog

41:32 Discussing Dog Personalities

41:50 Male vs Female Dogs

42:23 Dog Behavior and Training

45:38 Rolling in Mud and Other Dog Habits

50:54 First Bird Hunting Experiences

55:53 Traveling for Upland Hunting

01:03:23 Woodcock Migration and Hunting

01:06:45 Bird Dog Training Resources

01:11:00 Starting a New Podcast

01:17:42 Conclusion and Future Plans

SUPPORT | patreon.com/birdshot

Follow us | @birdshot.podcast

Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt

Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on Trulock Chokes

The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Insights into Shotgun Shooting and Gun Fitting with Keith Coyle

In this episode of the podcast, the host is joined by longtime friend and shooting instructor Keith Coyle. Keith shares his journey and recent move to start an independent shooting school on a farm near Pontiac, closer to the outer suburbs of Chicago. The episode delves deeply into the intricacies of gun fitting, the history and technique of shotgun shooting, and the difference between field and driven guns. Keith also introduces his 'convergent system' of instinctive shooting, blending traditional techniques with modern adaptations. He discusses the importance of proper gun fit and stance, offering insights into both pre-mounted and gun-down shooting methods. Keith highlights his online shooting school, 'Only Perfect Practice,' which aims to offer accessible lessons for those who can't attend in person. The conversation covers various aspects of shooting, from barrel lengths and gun grips to the elegance of side-by-side shotguns. This episode provides a wealth of knowledge for both novice and experienced shooters.

02:56 Keith's New Shooting Grounds

05:10 The Shilton School Location

06:17 The Perfect Shooting Setup

10:51 The History and Evolution of Shotguns

19:38 Differences Between Game Guns

32:51 The Importance of Gun Balance

35:00 Proper Gun Grip Techniques

46:32 The Evolution of Gun Making

48:01 The Importance of Gun Fit

49:52 Overcoming Misconceptions About Shotguns

01:00:32 The Role of Gun Fitting in Shooting Lessons

01:04:02 The Convergent System Explained

01:12:22 The Art and History of Shotgun Engraving

01:15:31 The Joy of a Perfect Shot

01:18:51 Finding the Right Shotgun for You

01:21:07 How to Connect with Keith Coyle

SUPPORT | patreon.com/birdshot

Follow us | @birdshot.podcast

Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt

Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on Trulock Chokes

The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joined by Jerry Kolter of Northwoods Bird Dogs we discuss his methods for developing wild bird dogs with a focus on young pups and early training tactics.

Show Highlights:

SUPPORT | patreon.com/birdshot

Follow us | @birdshot.podcast

Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt

Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on Trulock Chokes

The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joined by bird hunter and bird watcher, Zachary Adams we discuss commonalities and differences between the two groups, bird field guides and much more.

Show Highlights:

SUPPORT | patreon.com/birdshot

Follow us | @birdshot.podcast

Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt

Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on Trulock Chokes

The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joined by Nicolas Lijiro and Kent Boucher of Hoksey Native Seeds and The Prairie Farm Podcast, we discuss grasslands, farming practices, native prairie planting and restoration.

Show Highlights:

SUPPORT | patreon.com/birdshot

Follow us | @birdshot.podcast

Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt

Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on Trulock Chokes

The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joined by Grayson Guyer of Lost Highway Gun Dog Kennels, we discuss bird dog training, quail and woodcock hunting, and the most recent St Hubert’s Field Trial hosted by the Bird Dog Society.

Show Highlights:

SUPPORT | patreon.com/birdshot

Follow us | @birdshot.podcast

Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt

Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on Trulock Chokes

The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.